By gum, that tree’s gone

Cr Rob Wilson and the Friends of Frog Hollow group say they are disappointed that a 100yearold red river gum tree has been cut down at Frog Hollow Reserve in Endeavour Hills.

By Rebecca Fraser
ENDEAVOUR Hills lost part of its history last week when a 100yearold red river gum was cut down at Frog Hollow Reserve to make way for the Hallam Road duplication.
Endeavour Hills resident and Friends of Frog Hollow president Stephen Hallett said the group was disappointed that they had been unable to save the tree.
He said the group, which has 30 members, had been trying to save the tree for 12 months but two separate arborist reports, initiated by VicRoads, had determined that the tree had to go.
“Two arborists came out and said that because of the root zone the road and roadworks would disrupt the tree.
“I would question that as there was already an existing road hard up against it.
“Another frustrating thing was that the tree was still in good health and both arborists said it was in fine condition.
“The tree would not have been smack in the middle of the carriageway either, it would have been on the median strip.
“I thought that would have been a good case for keeping it, but Casey gave them a council permit to remove it and that was it,” he said.
Mr Hallett said the tree was one of the last red river gums in the area and it would take decades to grow another.
“It was the last one in the immediate area.
“VicRoads collected all the seeds before the tree was dropped and plan to make them into tube stock and then plant them back into the area.
“That’s nice but if we plant a new one it will take 100 years to reach that age again,” he said.
Araluen Ward councillor Rob Wilson said he was also saddened by the news that the tree had been cut down.
At last Tuesday’s council meeting Cr Wilson moved that officers prepare a report on the future of the remaining stump or lump from the river red gum at Frog Hollow with the possibility of it becoming a timber sculpture at the reserve.
He also moved that council officers consult with the Friends of Frog Hollow on the issue.
“It is pretty sad as it was the last remaining tree this side of the freeway.
“It would have been good if they could have gone around it.
“I think a sculpture would be very fitting and it could be on show at Frog Hollow forever and a day.
“This is the next best solution, instead of it being burnt up in smoke,” Cr Wilson said.